Scott Walker: Focusing on ‘racial discord’ after shootings of blacks only creates more of it

Campaigning in South Carolina, prospective GOP presidential nominee Scott Walker said Americans should be talking about “what brings us together,” instead of focusing on the “racial discord” that follows in the wake of shootings like the one that took the life of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.

According to the Huffington Post, the Wisconsin governor was asked about the anniversary of the death of Brown at the hands of a white police officer in relation to the Charleston shooting where white teen Dylan Roof allegedly shot and killed nine black churchgoers.

Not wanting to delve too deeply into race relations in the U.S.,Walker attempted to put a positive spin on his answer, using how people came together in Charleston as an example.

“One, I think in general if anyone focuses on racial discord we’re going to get more,” Walker said. “If we focus on unity we’re going to get more of that. The families of the massacre in Charleston showed us the way.”

“Even days after the horrific shooting, the emotion they showed, the willingness to try and bring Charleston, this state, this country together. I think it’s a prime example if we focus on things that unite us, ways to share the American dream,” he added.

Walker is attempting to right his campaign with a new poll coming out Monday morning saying he dropped into fifth place among GOP presidential rivals, tied with former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, following Thursday’s Fox debate.

About the Author

Tom Boggioni is based in the quaint seaside community of Pacific Beach in less quaint San Diego. He writes about politics, media, culture, and other annoyances. Mostly he spends his days at the beach gazing at the horizon waiting for the end of the world, or the sun to go down. Whichever comes first.